Hornets vs Lakers Best Bets Today | Wednesday NBA Picks and Props
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
The Los Angeles Lakers (32-20) host the Charlotte Hornets (13-39) on Wednesday night as the NBA officially returns from the All-Star break. LA looks to continue their strong home form and recent great play.
Hornets vs Lakers Game Information and Odds
- Location: Crypto.com Arena (LA, California) | Date: Wednesday, Feb. 19
- Where to Watch: SportsNet LA and FDSSE | Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Spread: Lakers -12.5 Moneyline: Hornets +490 Lakers -670 | Total: 222
The Lakers enter this game well-rested, particularly after LeBron James sat out the All-Star Game. Though James is listed on the injury report as questionable, he did participate in practice on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is adjusting to his new team after being traded from the Dallas Mavericks for Anthony Davis, and head coach JJ Redick confirmed that Doncic will be fully unleashed moving forward without a minute restriction.
CHA vs LAL Odds & Predictions, Free Picks, Prop Bets Today & Injury Updates
On the other side, the Hornets have struggled mightily, sitting at 14th in the Eastern Conference with a 1-9 record in their last 10 games. With Charlotte ranking 28th in points per game (106.0) and struggling in almost every key statistical category, this matchup heavily favors the Lakers.
Hornets vs Lakers Recent Team Performance
The Lakers have been in strong form, winning four of their last five games, including victories over the Indiana Pacers, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Clippers. Over their last 10 contests, they boast an 8-2 record, including a win in Charlotte. They averaged 121.3 points per game on 52.6% shooting from the field over that ten-game span.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have been one of the league’s worst teams this season. Charlotte is averaging just 100.8 points per game while shooting 42.5% from the field over its past ten. Their defense has also struggled, allowing opponents to score 109.8 points per game. Given these recent performances, the Lakers should have little trouble dominating this matchup.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Hornets vs Lakers Key Statistics
-
Lakers:
-
Points per game: 113.0 (14th in NBA)
-
Field goal percentage: 48.4% (6th in NBA)
-
Assists per game: 26.8 (13th in NBA)
-
Turnovers per game: 12.9 (9th-lowest in NBA)
-
-
Hornets:
-
Points per game: 106.0 (28th in NBA)
-
Field goal percentage: 43.0% (30th in NBA)
-
Assists per game: 23.9 (26th in NBA)
-
Turnovers per game: 14.6 (22nd in NBA)
-
One key area of weakness for Charlotte is their scoring efficiency. They rank dead last in field goal percentage and are among the worst in turnovers per game, while the Lakers excel in offensive efficiency.
Hornets vs Lakers Key Player Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers
-
LeBron James: James is averaging 24.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game. With the possibility of limited minutes, if the Lakers pull away early, he may take a secondary role.
-
Luka Doncic: In two games with the Lakers, Doncic has played around 23 minutes per contest, averaging 15.0 points. With Redick confirming he will be fully integrated, expect a significant uptick in his performance.
-
Rui Hachimura: Averaging 13.4 points per game, Hachimura could play an expanded role if James and Doncic see fewer minutes in a blowout scenario.
Charlotte Hornets
-
LaMelo Ball: LaMelo Ball leads the Hornets with 27.3 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, but his inefficiency (42.5% shooting) could be problematic against the Lakers’ defense. While not listed on tonight’s injury report, Ball has missed seven of Charlotte’s past ten games with a nagging ankle injury, one he reinjured after coming back on Feb. 10. There’s always a chance of aggravating the issue again, or the Hornets being careful with his workload tonight.
-
Miles Bridges: Miles Bridges averages 1.8 made three-pointers per game, and Charlotte will need his shooting to keep the game competitive. Bridges put up 27 points in his last meeting with the Lakers, back in late January.
CAESARS PROMO – DOUBLE YOUR WINNINGS
Hornets vs Lakers Best Bets
Lakers -9.5 Alternate Spread (-180)
While the actual spread is -12.5, we recommend taking the -9.5 alternate spread at -180. The Lakers are clearly the superior team, but with potentially limited minutes for James, if he plays, and Doncic, if they establish a large lead, the smaller margin is a safer play.
Rui Hachimura Over 15.5 Points (-120)
With a potential blowout on the horizon, Hachimura could see increased minutes, especially in the second half, especially if Redick chooses to manage Luka’s and LeBron’s workload. Hachimura has scored at least 19 in six of his past seven, averaging 21.2 PPG in those games. Given his recent form and a favorable matchup against Charlotte’s poor defense, he is well-positioned to surpass this mark.
The Lakers should dominate this game, particularly given their offensive efficiency and Charlotte’s inability to generate consistent offense. With the potential for reduced minutes from their stars, we’re locking in the Lakers -9.5 alternate spread (-180) and Rui Hachimura’s over 15.5 points (-120) as our top plays for the matchup.
